Hurricane Plan
Hurricane season is upon us, make sure you have a plan.
- Find your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, wind & flooding.
- Know the location of where you will evacuate.
- Locate a safe room or safest area in your home, usually an interior room on the lowest floor without windows or exterior walls. Bathrooms, utility room, or closets are good choices.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact.
- Make plans for any family member who requires life support equipment.
- To safeguard your home during hurricane season, have shutters or purchase thick plywood with approved fasteners.
- Put valuables, photos, and copies of important papers in waterproof bags in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. Include photos of drivers’ license, interior and exterior of home, medication list, names, addresses & phone numbers of doctors, insurance agents, family and friends along with list of account numbers and policy numbers.
- Post a list of emergency numbers by your phones, make sure your children know how and when to call 911. If you still have a home phone line, have a corded phone that plugs directly into the wall’s phone jack. If the power goes out, a cordless phone will not work.
- Check your insurance coverage, flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance.
- Stock your Must-Have supplies such as prescriptions.
- Use a NOAA weather radio and replace batteries every 6 months.
When a Hurricane Warning is Issued
You need to know what to do if a hurricane warning is issued before hurricane season.
- Stay tuned to official bulletins on TV or radio.
- Use your family plan. Determine where your family will be safest.
If Not Evacuating
- Know your safe room.
- Move valuables to upper floors.
- Fill containers and bathtub with drinking water.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold, don’t open unless necessary.
- Use phone for emergencies only.
- Stay indoors, away from windows.
If You Evacuate
- Check with city, county of Emergency Management Office to see if it is necessary.
- Leave early, in daylight if possible.
- Shut off water and electricity at main stations.
- Lock up home.
- Drive carefully, using recommended evacuation route.
- If going to a shelter, bring supplies to make you comfortable.
Hurricane Season Supplies Shopping List
Have a minimum 3 day supply of each item for every person in your home during hurricane season.
Water – Most Important Item
______ 2 quarts – 1 gallon of water per person per day.
______ Store water in clean plastic containers.
Purchase food that requires no refrigeration and little preparation, such as:
______ Ready-to-eat canned food, fruit and vegetables.
______ Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
______ Snacks: cookies, cereals, dried fruit, nuts, etc.
______ Raw vegetables.
______ Soft drinks, instant coffee, tea.
______ Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply).
For Baby
______ Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods.
______ Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications.
______ Petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointment.
Pets
______ Newspapers or cat litter.
______ Moist canned foods (to preserve water).
______ Plastic sheets to cover floor of pet’s room.
Medicine
______ Medic alert tag.
______ First aid kit with tweezers, needles and disinfectant.
______ Rubbing alcohol.
______ Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, diarrhea medicine.
______ Extra prescription medication (especially for heart problems and diabetes).
______ Ask your physician how to store prescription medication.
Personal Items
______ Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, etc.
______ Personal and feminine hygiene products.
______ Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eyeglasses.
______ Wipes to freshen up if water isn’t available.
______ Sun protection, insect repellent, and insect bite lotion.
Other Supplies
______ Cash – ATM may be down for a long time.
______ Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, bottle opener, extra batteries, scissors.
______ Camping stove or other device with fuel (sterno).
______ Charcoal, waterproof matches, extra propane gas for grills (Use grills outside only!).
______ ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister.
______ Portable cooler.
______ Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags.
______ Wind-up or battery-operated clock.
______ Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails for temporary roof repairs.
______ Other tools necessary for repairs to prevent more damage (axe, shovel, screwdrivers, etc.).
______ Pocket knife – Swiss Army style.
______ Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach.
______ Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups, cutlery.
______ Can of spray paint (can be used to identify your home by insurance adjusters in case it’s damaged).
______ At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves.
______ Pillows and blankets or sleeping bags.
During a Storm – Remain Calm!
• Watch local TV or listen to radio for weather updates.
• Stay indoors until storm has passed completely.
• Turn off circuit breaker before the power goes. Leave one on with a lamp so you know when power resumes.
• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps.
• Stay in your safe room if you hear breaking glass.
• If your house starts to break apart, cover yourself with a mattress.
• Use phone for urgent calls only. Don’t use the phone if you hear thunder.
• If you are in a tall building, stay off the top floors, go to a safe room.
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